Man o man am I glad those days are over, however, I just totaled my 6 speed Cruze, didn't get a scratch... They do take punishment.

If you look at what was available on the bid and compare it to what was awarded, I think there was a fair amount of back filling (not involving the 75/76 FO position). As an example, there were 5 73N FO positions available on the bid posting. There were 14 of the same positions awarded.

Here is what the Crew Resources memo said:

As we have previously stated, we have a surplus of 7ER First Officers and our goal is to avoid displacing the F/Os by not backfilling as pilots bid off. On the September AE, 48 7ER F/Os bid off and were not backfilled. While there is still a surplus of 7ER F/Os, we believe future AEs will continue to reduce the surplus without the need to post displacements. The September AE saw unfilled vacancies on the ATL-M88-B, ATL717-B, CVG-M88-B, NYC-73N-B, NYC-320-B and NYC-M88-B. These positions will be offered to furlough returning pilots and new hires.

Denny

Did the conversations go," enough about cars, let's talk about me"...

Probably a dead-headding 787 crew, they always sit in First Class, probably coming back from another cancellation. :D

Suggestions and tips being sought.

I'm strongly considering taking the family of four to Paris the third week of March. I'll probably use the One Great Team passes for one of the kids and myself so I want to make a decision sooner rather than later to get the seats locked in. With that said I'm hoping some can help me out with some questions.

1. For non-rev purposes, is going to Amsterdam (then taking the train to Paris a couple days later) a better option for non-reving than Paris? We have to go through Atlanta and the wife and one child will be non-reving. Which has the better chance of getting 1st class-CDG or AMS? (Considering AMS to break up the 7-day trip a bit).

2. Any suggestions on where to stay or who to go through for lodging? I'm not looking to go on a shoe string budget, but I don't want to bust the bank either. Hoping to get something under $200/night that will sleep four. Possible? Searching VRBO.com right now, but I've never used them.

I'd consider other destinations, but the teenagers haven't been to Europe (or anywhere outside the 48 besides HI and the Caribbean) and I think Paris is a good place to start. South America has great destinations I've seen discussed here, but Europe just seems right for us at this point (I'm the less adventurous travel planner). That being said, other destinations I've considered are Barcelona, Rome, or London.

I'd seriously consider Switzerland. Jump on a train and spend the day in Lausanne, then down to the Interlaken area. Of course, you'll miss the big cities, but the scenery is spectacular.

We've had pretty good luck with VBRO. The key for us has been to email with the owner a few times to a) see if they're ok to work with, and b) build rapport to schmooze a better rate. They can also send you more pics, etc.

Are you still in the Reserve/Guard? Retired? Working thru Mildenhall/Lakenheath, etc. may open up some different options.

Here's some info...
 

Try this hotel. It's in one of the best areas, and great value, too. Just stayed there a few months ago. Hotel Agora Paris | Official Website | 3 stars Hotel Also, try travago.com to book the cheapest rate – wherever you decide to stay.

No, these are pilots around cars, not on a date.

I stayed there a few years ago, you saved me from digging up the info. Great location, a short walk to everywhere.

Gunship, don't discount Normandy as a full day side trip.